Crucible Collection

RESEARCH BACKGROUND The Crucible Collection project involved the design, production and exhibition of a range of sculptural bowls for CushCush Gallery in Bali, Indonesia. The collection's design contemplated the idea of a 'vessel' and the relationship between a container and the thing contained. The finished collection acted as a fusion of functional, sculptural, material and archetypal concerns. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION In its undertaking the project explored the relationship between contemporary design approaches and the traditional craft practices of Indonesia. While primarily the project acted as a reflection upon the relationships between ritual and craft, in the physical production of the finished objects the complex processes of communication techniques and the two-way technology transfer between a contemporary western design sensibility and traditional Asian craft were exposed and explored. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE The exhibition was the inaugural show in the newly designed CushCush gallery in Denpasar. In conjunction with the Crucible collection and its exhibition, the research project involved the development of the ongoing agenda of the Cush Cush Gallery. The gallery underlying intention is to present design and art projects that are opportunities for in-depth research, social initiatives and multi-disciplinary collaborations that enrich the growth of Balinese culture. The exhibition opening hosted a large cross section of Balinese creative community that included designers, artists, architects and writers. A number of designers from across Asia also attended the opening as well as representatives of Australia's consulate in Bali. The event received coverage in local media including features in The Bali Post newspaper and Bali and Beyond magazine.